Small group boat charters from Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports in Anna Maria Island and Bradenton are designed for groups of 6 or less who want a personalized day on the water.

Enjoy your own private boat and local USCG-licensed captain while exploring Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, sandbars, islands, dolphin-watching waters, and nearby waterways.
No strangers. No crowded group tour. Just your group, your captain, and your day on the water.

Looking for a private boat charter or small-group rental for up to 6 passengers near Anna Maria Island? Manatee River Boat Rentals offers private captained charters and tritoon rentals from the Manatee River, with easy access to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, sandbars, dolphins and nearby islands. Keep your group together on a private boat with no strangers.

A small group boat charter is a private boat trip for 6 guests or less. Manatee River Boat Rentals and Water Sports offers private 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-hour charters starting at $500HHff

Your private small group charter can be customized around the destinations and experiences your group wants to enjoy. 

Depending on weather, tides, water conditions, and your available time, your captain can help you explore some of the area's most popular boating destinations.

Cruise to Jewfish Key for swimming, relaxing, sightseeing, and exploring the beautiful shallow waters around Anna Maria Island.

Explore Jewfish Key

Visit Egmont Key for a memorable island adventure with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and exploring the historic island.

Explore Egmont Key

Enjoy the scenic waters around Beer Can Island, a favorite spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Explore Beer Can Island

Head toward Passage Key for beautiful sandbars, clear shallow water, swimming, and a relaxing day on the water.

Explore Passage Key

Choose the trip length that works best for your group:

Perfect for a shorter private cruise, sightseeing trip, dolphin watching, or nearby sandbar adventure.

A popular half-day option for exploring Anna Maria Island, sandbars, dolphins, and surrounding waterways.

More time to explore multiple destinations, swim, relax, and enjoy a full afternoon on the water.

Our full-day option for groups that want plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace.

Private small group charter pricing for up to 6 passengers.

Traveling with a larger group? Our Anna Maria Island Private Boat Charters accommodate up to 12 passengers with 4-, 6-, and 8-hour options.

View Private Boat Charters for Up to 12 Passengers

Small private charters are a great choice for:

❤️ Couples and double dates

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🎂 Birthday celebrations

🥂 Special occasions

👫 Friends' day on the water

🐬 Dolphin watching

🏖️ Sandbar trips

🌅 Sunset cruises

🐾 Private wildlife and sightseeing trips

With a smaller group, you can enjoy a more personal experience and spend your time doing what your group actually wants to do.

For larger groups up to 12, take a look at our primary boat charters page. 

Your trip can be customized around your group's interests and available time.

🐬 Dolphin Watching
Cruise local waters in search of dolphins and other wildlife.

🏖️ Sandbar Adventures
Spend time swimming, floating, relaxing, and enjoying beautiful shallow-water destinations.

🌴 Anna Maria Island Cruising
See the island and surrounding coastline from the water.

🌅 Sunset Cruises
Enjoy a private sunset experience with your group.

🐚 Island & Wildlife Exploring
Explore nearby waterways, islands, beaches, and wildlife areas with your captain.

🏝️ Custom Private Trips
Tell your captain what you'd like to see and do, and we'll help plan the best experience for your group.

Your boat is reserved for your group. You won't be sharing the trip with strangers.

Relax and enjoy the trip while your local captain handles the boat and navigation.

Small groups get a more intimate and personalized experience.

Your trip can be tailored around the destinations and activities your group wants to experience.

Enjoy comfortable seating, Bluetooth audio, a large bimini for shade, and plenty of room to relax.

We serve guests visiting:

Anna Maria Island • Holmes Beach • Bradenton Beach • Bradenton • Cortez • Longboat Key • Palmetto • surrounding waterways

Whether you're staying on Anna Maria Island or visiting Bradenton, a private small-group charter is an easy way to experience Florida's Gulf Coast from the water.

👥 Group size: 6 guests or less
💰 Starting price: $500
⏱️ Charter lengths: 3, 4, 6, or 8 hours
👨‍✈️ Captain: Local USCG-licensed captain
🚤 Experience: Private boat
🏖️ Destinations: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, sandbars, islands & surrounding waterways
🐬 Activities: Dolphins, sightseeing, swimming, sandbars & cruising

Our small group charter is designed for groups of 6 or less, making it ideal for couples, families, and small groups of friends.

Private small group charters start at $500 for 3 hours. Options are $500 for 3 hours, $600 for 4 hours, $800 for 6 hours, and $1,000 for 8 hours.

Yes. Your charter is private for your group, so you won't be sharing the boat with other guests.

Yes. Small group charters include a local USCG-licensed captain.

Yes. Your captain can help tailor the trip around your group's interests, available time, weather, and local conditions.

Yes. Sandbar trips are one of the most popular options for small private groups. Your captain can recommend destinations based on conditions and your preferred experience.

Dolphin sightings are common in the waters around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Absolutely. A private charter for 6 or less is a great option for couples, double dates, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Departure options can vary depending on your itinerary and current availability. Pickup and meeting details are provided when your reservation is confirmed.

No. With a captain aboard, you can relax and enjoy the experience without needing to operate the boat yourself.

Ready to get your group on the water?

3 hours — $500 | 4 hours — $600 | 6 hours — $800 | 8 hours — $1,000

🚤 Private boat • Groups of 6 or less • Local USCG-licensed captain • Anna Maria Island & Bradenton

Call 941-932-3700 or reserve your private small group charter today.

🚤 Anna Maria Island Boat Rentals

🛥️ Anna Maria Island Boat Tours

🚤 Bradenton Boat Rentals

🛥️ Bradenton Boat Tours